The University of Delaware recently launched a new partnership with Zipcar Inc., to provide the campus with access to the car-sharing service. The transportation option is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to all students, faculty and staff members ages 18 and older. Zipcar is an environmentally friendly transportation alternative that takes 15 to 20 privately owned vehicles off the road.

Gas, 180 miles per day, insurance, reserved parking spots and roadside assistance are included in the hourly and daily rates. Cars can be reserved for as short as an hour or up to four days. Rates on all University of Delaware vehicles start as low as $8 per hour and $66 per day (24 hours).

The annual membership fee for anyone affiliated with the University of Delaware is only $35 and applicants receive $35 worth of free driving credit that applies toward their first month of driving.

"Our goal is to make getting around campus accessible and sustainable. Zipcar supports our efforts to reduce frustration, congestion and pollution," said William Fitzpatrick, director of supporting services, at University of Delaware. "We look forward to having them as a part of our campus community."

Cars are self service and can easily be reserved and accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. University of Delaware Zipcars will be located in convenient spaces in high demand areas.

Zipcar has established partnerships with more than 200 universities, including Yale, Notre Dame, University of Virginia and Georgetown. The company utilizes a network of local vendors to service and clean its fleet.